9 Secrets from the Rock ‘n’ Roll Florist Revealed

I just returned home from an aaamazing trip to Cartagena, Columbia, back to the grind with a little tan and a LOT of inspiration! Over the next few weeks I'll be sharing all of it with you, and today we get started with some inside tips from the king of flowers, Jeff Leatham.

Jeff Leatham is known around the world for his breathtaking, unforgettable, and unconventional floral arrangements and designs. He converted Eva Longoria into a flower lover (after being hired for her over-the-top nuptials to Tony Parker), has graced the stages of Oprah and Martha Stewart, and currently works as the artistic director of the Four Seasons Hotel George V in Paris. He's a rock star through and through, and gave me nine top secret wedding flower tips to share with you:

#1 - When working with your florist (or any potential hire), close your eyes and describe the wedding of your dreams. Since many of the brides who hire Jeff don't meet him in person until right before the wedding (kind of scary, right!?), he uses this tactic to get a feel for the style and design they're envisioning. He then begins brainstorming the perfect wedding flowers based on the bride's vision.

#2 - Dare to use color. Ever feel like the real weddings you spot on your favorite blogs are lacking in the color department? Jeff does too! So he encourages you to think beyond white and neutrals, and dare to use bright, bold colors in your floral arrangements.

#3 - Don't choose a bouquet that overshadows your wedding dress. When you walk down the aisle, the focus should be on you and your drop dead gorgeous wedding dress. But if you choose a gigantic bridal bouquet that has a lot going on, it has the potential to steal your show. Avoid this with a more understated bouquet that lets your dress really shine.

#4 - Stick to just three flower types. To ensure your wedding flower arrangements turn out timeless and not busy, fight the urge to incorporate more than three different types of blooms.

#5 - Incorporate a flower of the season. Whether you're getting hitched in Spring, Summer, Fall or Winter, try selecting one in-season bloom to use in your arrangements. Not only will this help you save money, but it will showcase the beautiful season of your I Do's.

#6 - Surprise guests with different color palettes for each portion of the event. You don't have to choose just one color palette! And the best way to create a memorable event (from start to finish) is to use different color schemes for each segment of the wedding. Just make sure that all your palettes (for the ceremony, cocktail hour, reception, after party) fit with the overall wedding style and theme, and have a common tie to create cohesiveness.

#7 - If you're decorating 10 tables or more, use at least two different centerpiece styles. There's nothing more boring than a sea of reception tables adorned with the same exact arrangement (no matter how spectacular that arrangement may be). So mix it up and create eye-catching visuals with an assortment of different centerpiece styles (both high and low, ornate and simple).

#8 - Candles add sexiness to any reception tablescape. Jeff LOVES sexing up his already sexy floral arrangements with flickering candles of all shapes and sizes. If your venue permits open flames, make sure to take advantage and load up on the candlelight!

#9 - Pop the heads off inexpensive roses and float them in water to create drama on a dime. Then get even more bang for your buck by using these blooms in petal form during the next portion of your big day.

So brideys, did you learn something new? Which of Jeff's tips do you find most helpful? Sound off below!